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How the BBB says these scammers are using Santa’s good name

Posted at 10:21 PM, Dec 08, 2014
and last updated 2014-12-08 22:21:23-05

RICHMOND, Va. -- Some alleged scammers are making their way to the top of Santa's naughty list.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) wants parents to know about the crime so they don't fall victim.

The BBB told CBS 6 news that emails are circulating which target parents, and offer them an opportunity to get a Santa package sent to their child.

For a $19.99 fee, parents can have a letter sent to their child and have their child recognized as being on Santa's nice list, the scammers warn.

They make a "Buy now" push, and the parents are asked for names and credit card information. Any request for that should always be carefully scrutinized.

"It seems like a quick and easy thing to do, but you will live to regret it, because once they get your credit card information you don't know what they will use that information for," said Paula Stallard-Brinser with the BBB.

The BBB advises if you receive an email like this, not to even open it.